Glasgow's greatest art gallery (with the possible exception of the Burrell Collection) is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which stands below the university, on the other side of the River Kelvin, at the most westerly end of Argyle and Sauchiehall Streets, near Kelvingrove Park.
Check that the museum is open before visiting as a lengthy refurbishment is pending, probably starting in late 2002.
This massive sandstone Victorian building houses one of the finest municipal collections of Scottish and European paintings in the country, and should not be missed.
The art gallery and museum, first opened to the public in 1902, can be entered from the "rear, leading to one of the most popular urban myths, that it was mistakenly built back to front and when the architect found out he was so distraught that he jumped from one of the towers.
It was actually designed by two architects, Sir JW Simpson and Milner Allen, and is a wonderful structure, especially the breathtaking atrium.
At one end of the atrium is a huge set of organ pipes, and recitals are still held here.
On the ground floor is the Scottish Natural History Museum and, on the opposite side of the main hall, a rather jumbled collection of pottery, porcelain, silverware, costumes, tapestry and a collection of arms and armour.
But it is the art gallery upstairs which makes this such a fascinating attraction. Displayed in a series of rooms are some superb works, including Botticelli's Annunciation, Giorgione's The Adultress Brought Before Christ and Rembrandt's Man in Armour.
There are also outstanding examples of French Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and Dutch schools, including works by Degas, Monet, Turner, Bonnard, Pissaro, Vuillard, Braque and Derain.
There are also excellent works by many of Scotland's finest artists, including, Sir Henry Raeburn, Horatio McCulloch and Alexander Naysmith.
The Glasgow Boys are also well represented, with works by George Henry, Joseph Crawhall, Sir James Guthrie and Sir John Lavery. There's also a room dedicated to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, featuring a marvellous collection of furniture.
There's a cheap self-service café on the ground floor.
Also free guided tours most days from the enquiry desk. (Tel: 2872690).
Travel Directions to Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery
To get there, take any bus heading for the Dumbarton Rd (Nos 9, 16, 42, 62, 64, ).
Nearest Underground station is Kelvin Hall.
Address Details
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG
- G3 8AG